While he’s more accustomed to taking part in big finals, tomorrow Roy Krishna will be watching from the stands – and he’s looking forward to it.
Krishna, one of Fiji’s greatest football exports, has been a professional footballer with the Wellington Phoenix in Wellington, New Zealand for the 2013-14 A-League season as injury replacement, and has been a key member of the squad ever since.
But it’s in the OFC Champions League where the Fijian striker first made his mark, and he has fond memories of his time in the competition.
“It’s something I was lucky enough to experience with both clubs, Waitakere United and Auckland City, and it’s very special,” he said.
“It’s a tough competition to take part in, especially going to some of the islands.
“The weather can be tough, but you have to do the job. I always enjoyed it.”
With both clubs, Krishna attended the FIFA Club World Cup first going with Waitakere in 2008 before joining Auckland City in September 2013 and attending the FIFA tournament in Morocco.
While there he scored Auckland City’s only goal in the 2-1 loss to Raja Casablanca, becoming the first Fijian player to score at a FIFA tournament.
“It’s something very special to play at the FIFA Club World Cup against the best in the world, and then for me it led to a professional contract,” Krishna said.
“When I look back at the FIFA Club World Cup, at the time I knew I wanted to make history.
“I was just lucky enough to get the first goal as a Fijian. I enjoyed the experience with both clubs.”
Krishna is now just gearing up to watch what should be a good final match between Team Wellington and Lautoka – just don’t ask him to choose sides.
“It’s very tough! Lautoka is representing Fiji and I’m proud to be Fijian,” Krishna said.
“And Wellington is pretty much my second home, it’s tough to call but I’ll be there to just enjoy it.
“May the best team win!”